The community of Fountainbridge in Edinburgh is already seeing the benefits of HLF investment in a building they love. And with news of HLF awarding a Heritage Enterprise grant of £4.5million to the project, things are going to get even better.

Castle Mill is the last standing reminder of the Edinburgh’s world renowned rubber mill, birthplace of the Wellington boot, the modern motor car tyre, and the first ever traffic cone. Thanks to players of the National Lottery, it will now be transformed into a world-leading printmaking facility, a hub for creative enterprise and an arts centre with café, bar and learning spaces.

[quote=Alastair Snow, Chair of Edinburgh Printmakers]"It will allow us to bring Castle Mill Works back from the very neglected state it has fallen into and transform it into a vibrant cultural resource.”[/quote]

The community is already getting hands-on with the project. Local primary school children have tried lino-printing, developing designs from maps showing the history of where they live under the guidance of Scottish artist, David Lemm.

"We finished our lino prints today mine was the Tollcross sign! Our head teacher is going to use it as the new school logo. I’m really excited. It will be used in school letters!"

Chair of Edinburgh Printmakers, Alastair Snow, explains: “Castle Mill Works was once a powerhouse of industry and invention. Our plan will bring production back and place creativity at the heart of the community. We are delighted to have support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It will allow us to bring Castle Mill Works back from the very neglected state it has fallen into and transform it into a vibrant cultural resource.”

The Fountainbridge community is justly proud of its industrial heritage so it is good news that a building which was once so central to its life and economy is helping build a brighter future.